Monday, August 24, 2009

Los Angeles: A + R Store

While thumbing through a recent magazine, an item was featured that piqued my interest. Looking to see where to buy it, I discovered A+R. This store is located in Venice Beach, CA, on it's famous main drag, where I have spent many days and nights, Abbot Kinney. For those of you unfamiliar with Venice Beach, a place I contemplated moving prior to my jump to the East Coast, it has the flavor of a small town with tiny little cafes and shops, but the mindset of an avant garde art community.

After looking at A+R's online store, it surely embodies this mentality. I absolutely LOVE what this store offers- globally and locally acquired lines with designs that really push the envelope, that are not only functioning pieces of design, but also relatively inexpensive. I will for sure become a patron of this store. A great place for unique gifts.

These porcelain exterior oil lamps are what contemporary landscape design is all about. They can even be weighed down with gravel on the inside. Imagine these lined up a walk way....In a beautiful sunny Southern California backyard....Mmmmmmm- 10", 15", 21", 27"

Wall Mounted Wine Rack- $59I love how non-invasive this rack is. Especially when it comes to NY apartments, with little counter or cabinet space, this design is not only sleek, but also functional.

Colored Agate Coaster Set (4)- $55I have to say, I am obsessed with these little volcanic pieces of earthly heaven. Every piece is uniquely colored and shaped. To me, these are like jewelry.

I don't know about all of you, but I can't rely on putting things in my iphone whenever I have a thought. I mean, is paper becoming that extinct? I have a little leather note pad my sister got me that I carry around everywhere. But sadly, I am coming near the last page. At 3.5" x 4.75", this little book could easily fit in your handbag to capture all your daily thoughts- for a year!

The stick lighters are actually what brought me to the A+R site. I just think they have a sexiness to them that every hostess should have hidden in their kitchen drawer. Perhaps this will be my new house warming gift!

And this...... let me tell you, a very special person with a fearless interior vision can pull this light fixture off with flair! This pendant comes as a flat metal garland that you assemble into your own shape around an Edison Light bulb. How cool is this!?!?!?! I think it would be fabulous for event design as well. Comes in silver, brass, black chrome and winter white- HOT!

The great thing about technology is that you don't have to live locally to find the things that make your heart sing. When I head back to CA, I will definitely visit this store. In the meantime, I know where I'll be finding some gifts. Be sure to browse their website!

About Me

I am a New York City girl to the core, and a California girl at heart, which is why I finally acted on my lifelong dream and moved to NYC! I like to consider myself a planner of creative living versus just an interior or event designer because I love it all. The Designista is going to catalog my experiences through this city related to all things design- interiors, furniture (new and used,) events and ettiquette, florals, art, food and museums, and so much more. And the greatest thing- most posts will be budget sensitive! Because let's face it, everyone should have the option to live the glamorous and fabulous life....all you need is a little creativity and the willingness to pick up a tool once in a while! Enjoy!